Protect Your Rights. Talk To Me Before You Talk To Them.

Speak with an attorney before agreeing to speak to law enforcement. If the police contact you about an alleged criminal offense you were involved in or a witness to, before you agree to speak with them, please contact my firm. Even if you believe you have done nothing wrong, it is important to speak with an experienced defense attorney before agreeing to speak with the police.

It will not benefit you whatsoever to disparage the police officer attempting to speak with you, even if you believe he or she is placing unfair pressure on you to talk. If you are ultimately charged, the district attorney assigned to your case may ask the investigating officer for suggestions on how to resolve your case. Likewise, no reputable police officer will take offense with you asking for an opportunity to speak with an attorney before agreeing to speak with him or her.

Finally, if not in custody, don’t be swayed if a police officer indicates that they could come to arrest you if you don’t come to talk to them. In all likelihood, if the police had the evidence necessary to arrest you, they would have already done so. Likewise, if in custody, don’t be encouraged to speak by promises of a low bond or some other favorable treatment.

Once again, simply tell the officer that you need to speak to an attorney before speaking with him or her, then call me at 814-357-7040 or send me an email.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions that Pennsylvania residents often have about police contact.

What happens if I am in custody and the police want to question me?

If you are in police custody, you have specific constitutional rights that must be protected. The police are required to inform you of your Miranda rights before any questioning, including your right to remain silent and your right to have an attorney present.

Even if the police have not read you your rights, you should still exercise them. Clearly state that you wish to remain silent and that you want to speak with an attorney. Once you make this request, all questioning must cease until your attorney is present.

Can the police arrest me if I refuse to speak with them?

No, your refusal to speak with police cannot be used as the sole basis for arrest. An arrest requires probable cause that you have committed a crime, which must be based on actual evidence, not your exercise of constitutional rights.

While law enforcement may suggest they have the authority to arrest you if you do not cooperate, this is often a pressure tactic. If they had sufficient evidence to arrest you, they would likely do so regardless of whether you agreed to speak with them. Exercising your right to remain silent and requesting an attorney are legally protected actions that cannot be used against you.

What should I do if a police officer promises me favorable treatment if I cooperate?

Never make decisions based on promises of favorable treatment from police officers. While officers may suggest that cooperation will lead to leniency, they cannot guarantee any specific outcome in your case.

Only prosecutors have the authority to make binding plea agreements or charging decisions, and these must be made through proper legal channels with your attorney present. Any statements you make based on such promises can still be used against you, regardless of what was promised. The best course of action is to politely decline to answer questions and contact an attorney who can properly negotiate on your behalf.